The Opponent: Despite being 3-5, the Cleveland Browns have been one of the most impressive teams in the NFL over the previous few weeks. In week 7, they went into New Orleans and smacked the defending champions 30-17 prior to their bye week. Last week they hosted the 6-1 New England Patriots and put a similar hurting on them 34-14. Even though they lack talent on both sides of the ball, Eric Mangini and his coaching staff have been able to maximize their production and have built a physical, smart football team. Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy has been surprisingly steady since taking over as the starter a few weeks back, while running back Peyton Hillis leads a bruising ground attack. Their defense, led by Rex Ryan's twin brother, Rob has been opportunistic and stiff against the run.
Cleveland Key Offensive Players
Quarterback - Colt McCoy
Running Back - Peyton Hillis
Tight End - Benjamin Watson
Wide Receiver - Josh Cribbs
Wide Receiver - Chansi Stuckey
The Browns are led by Hillis on offense, who is having a Pro-Bowl caliber season. Josh Cribbs is a dynamic, versatile player who Cleveland will frequently use in the Wildcat. Tight end Benjamin Watson has been their most consistent receiver. We all remember Chansi Stuckey from his time with the Jets. Fellow receiver Mohamed Massaquoi has missed two games with injury but is a big play threat. Up front, Joe Thomas is one of the better tackles in the NFL.
Cleveland Key Defensive Players
Safety - T.J. Ward
Linebacker - Scott Fujita
Corner - Sheldon Brown
Linebacker - Marcus Bernard
Safety - Abram Elam
The Browns have Jets castoffs Abram Elam, Eric Barton, and Kenyon Coleman starting on their defense. Elam pairs with hard hitting rookie T.J. Ward at safety, who leads the team in tackles. Barton has had a quiet year alongside Scott Fujita at linebacker who has an impressive stat line and Marcus Bernard who leads the team in sacks. We all know Coleman's ability to stop the run up front. Shaun Rogers is also up front for the Browns but has struggled so far in 2010. Sheldon Brown is their top cover corner. They also have rookie Joe Haden at corner who has 27 tackles and an interception.
Cleveland Special Teams
Kicker - Phil Dawson
Punter - Reggie Hodges
Jets fans should remember how inconsistent Hodges could be but he is having a good year so far. Phil Dawson is reliable and steady at kicker. Josh Cribbs is dangerous as both a kick and punt returner.
Injuries - The Jets remain about as healthy as a NFL team could be. Good luck getting accurate injury information out of Cleveland but back-up quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace still haven't returned from sprained ankles.
Weekly Headlines - The Jets going against their former head coach Eric Mangini...Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan facing off...A battle of young quarterbacks in Mark Sanchez and Colt McCoy...Can the Jets find the ability to run the football again, along with slowing down Cleveland's power rushing attack?...Can the Jets remain undefeated on the road this season?